“I’m happy with our result and good performance, although we could’ve scored more goals,” the midfielder told Movistar+ after the game, which saw him score a free-kick and Modric split the Giallorossi’s defence with his through-ball assist for Gareth Bale.

“We have to keep improving. We had a good game, but we could’ve done better and controlled it better so it wasn’t so end-to-end. Still, we’re on the right track.

“I have a knack at free kicks and Ramos left it to me. I’m happy for the goal and three points.

“We already know what Modric’s like, he’s a great player and he gives us a lot in each game. Hopefully we can all be at his level.

“I also think he deserves the Ballon d’Or for being a unique player for us and Croatia.”